Many breastfeeding mothers worry about low milk production, known as hypogalactia.
While these concerns are often more about perception than reality, there are cases where low milk supply can be a genuine issue. Let’s examine the different causes of low milk production and how to address them effectively.
Understanding Low Milk Production
One of the biggest complaints of breastfeeding women is low milk production, also known as hypogalactia. Often, this is just a misperception of reality (cultural pressure, lack of support and information, etc.), but in some cases, low production is real. We can divide cases of low production into 3 groups:
A) Causes directly related to hormonal issues
These can affect glandular development (during teenage years, pregnancy, and postpartum) and glandular behavior, causing prolactin (the hormone responsible for milk production) not to reach adequate levels:
• Placental retention (production normalizes with placenta removal);
• Endocrine dysfunction (such as congenital prolactin deficiency – hereditary and extremely rare);
• Postpartum thyroiditis or hypothyroidism (if treated, production normalizes);
• Sheehan's syndrome (pituitary necrosis due to lack of blood flow - no milk production).
B) Causes directly related to insufficient glandular tissue
Absence of sufficient glandular tissue to produce milk in balance with the baby's needs:
• Mammary hypoplasia (congenital malformation - underdevelopment of the breast);
• Breast reduction surgery and other breast surgeries (can cut milk ducts).
C) Causes related to incorrect breastfeeding management
Behaviors adopted after the start of breastfeeding that impair its full functioning. They fail to drain the breasts frequently and effectively and fail to stimulate them satisfactorily.
• Scheduling feedings (timing and duration);
• Offering only one breast per feeding;
• Incorrect technique (latch, baby's position, etc.);
• Ankyloglossia ("tongue-tie");
• Use of artificial nipples such as pacifiers, bottles, or nipple shields.
It is important to remember that:
• The first hour after birth is crucial for establishing breastfeeding (golden hour and skin-to-skin contact);
• The feeling of empty breasts is not always an indicative of low production, but rather that production has adjusted to the baby's demand;
• The more milk is removed from the breasts, the higher the production;
• There is no such thing as weak milk!
Writen by Marcela Rios | Doula, childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor
Posted on Instagram @barbaracrepaldiphoto on May 25, 2024.

≫ These images are part of the “Breastfeeding Moment” project by photographer Barbara Crepaldi, with the support of doula Marcela Rios. The goal of this project is to share valuable information and create beautiful memories for the featured mothers. Every two months, Barbara Crepaldi Photography will host a raffle for subscribed women. The winner will receive a studio breastfeeding shoot, and her photos and story will be featured on Instagram and here. For more information on how to participate, please visit the instagram page @BarbaraCrepaldiPhoto.